Autokinetic power station

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a device for generating electric energy from the kinetic energy of vehicles. Said device comprises at least one pressure reservoir ( 13 ) for a fluid. Said pressure reservoir is arranged in the pavement and has at least one pressure chamber that is compressible in a substantially rectangular direction to the pavement, at least one circuit for the fluid, a component of the fluid circuit representing the pressure chamber, and at least one turbine/generator system ( 86 ) arranged in the fluid circuit for generating electric energy from the flow of the fluid.

Electrical Energy from the Highway!

In this day and age we use many sources for generating electricalenergy. But there are very few sources that do not have an adverseimpact on the ecology of our environment. For example: Wind sources. Thecountryside is covered with countless electricity-generating windmillsor solar collectors. Not necessarily a pretty sight. Likewise,hydroelectric power stations have a huge impact on the environment. Andexpanding the number of NUCLEAR AND COAL-FIRED POWER STATIONS has thegreatest impact of all.

Global energy consumption is increasing. Taking 1994 consumption as abaseline, the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that by year2010 energy consumption in the industrialized countries will increase by50%. The emission of pollutants will also increase over the same period.I believe that the solution is to make the greatest possible use ofnon-traditional sources of electrical energy.

The solution that I am proposing here relates to the use of existingroads and highways, which are always filled with automobiles andrepresent an untapped energy source.

FIRST THE ADVANTAGES

a) no damage to the existing natural environment;

b) no contamination of the environment, surface water, or groundwater;

c) no physical or chemical pollution resulting from chemical wastes suchas uranium or carbon dioxide.

Another advantage is the use of automotive transportation and itscontribution to a new environmental process. I believe this area has agreat potential.

LIST OF THE ADVANTAGES OF THE AUTOKINETIC POWER STATION—AKPS

1) The environment is not threatened by chemical emissions.

2) The location of this system means that it does not harm thesurrounding countryside.

3) Its energy helps us, without the need for a long process.

4) It leads to greater highway safety.

5) Based on its principle, it utilizes a new source of energy.

6) The AKPS is economical.

7) It has a simple design.

8) It can be installed in city centers, on overpasses over roads andrailroad tracks, and on streets and roads having steep downhill grades.

9) The AKPS uses each vehicle four times.

10) The economical and environmental principle of braking.

11) It can be installed equally well with all different types ofautomobiles without any need for modifications.

The AKPS Principle

It is based on the same principle as that encountered in gardening.Imagine a garden hose, one meter long, connected to a faucet on one end.The other end is open and is lying on the ground. We now turn on the tapso that water flows out the other end. Now we close the tap. The waterstops flowing. We then step on the hose and observe what happens at theopen end. Each time we step on the hose, water squirts out the open end.We can repeat this as long as there is water in the hose. The pressurehoses (89, 90, 91) shown in the drawing are based on this principle.

Installation

The correct positioning of the RIGHT AND LEFT PANELS (13, 22) is the keyfactor affecting the entire performance and operating life of the AKPS.The design of the electrical power station is based on the principle oftaking a few percentage points of kinetic energy from each vehicle. Thisenergy is directly proportional to the vehicle's resistance.

The following rules must be observed in order to utilize this principleand not have a negative effect:

1) Installation: Only installed at locations where speed must bereduced—a) for safety reasons or b) when other situations requirereduced speed, for example, on freeway exit ramps, on mainthoroughfares, at intersections, in front of schools, business centers,or city centers, where the law stipulates that vehicle speed must bereduced, and in areas where special smog regulations apply.

2) On steeply inclined roads and highways. This means that vehiclestraveling downhill have to reduce their speed for safety reasons.

3) Installation of the AKPS on other overpasses where speed has to bereduced.

The Function of the Roadway

Each vehicle should travel over the right-hand (R) and left-hand (L)S-panels (13, 22) located in the optimal path. We need to mark the givensection of road, for example by means of visible lines. This methodallows us to limit the path of the automobiles so that they do nottravel on the sides.

Repairs

The greatest load on the entire circuit is essentially applied to theright and left S-panels (13, 22). Repairs should therefore merelyinvolve easy panel replacement. Thus, the panels are designed towithstand such loads, and are constructed as simple, freelyinterconnectable parts, like those used in conveyor system vehicles.

The Function of the Automobile

Let us assume that the vehicle is traveling at velocity v₁ and has akinetic energy of: $E_{k_{1}} = {\frac{1}{2}{mv}_{1}^{2}}$

If the vehicle travels in a direction opposite to that of velocity v₁,and has the kinetic energy represented by the constant force F, R+LS-panel (13, 22), its speed will change to velocity v₂, and the kineticenergy will change to a value of$E_{k_{2}} = {\frac{1}{2}{mv}_{2}^{2}}$

Thus, the R+L S-panels (13, 22) perform mechanical work as a result ofthe force (F) acting upon them. This work corresponds to the change inkinetic energy:${E_{k_{2}} - E_{k_{1}}} = {{{\frac{1}{2}{mv}_{2}^{2}} - {\frac{1}{2}{mv}_{1}^{2}}} = {\Delta \quad E_{K}}}$

The change in the kinetic energy of the vehicle, ΔE_(K), is equal to themechanical work (W) and the applied force. It is:

ΔE _(k) =W

If we also consider further that the vehicle wheels simultaneouslyproduce a thrust motion and rotation, the kinetic energy becomes:$E_{k} = {{\frac{1}{2}{mv}^{2}} + {\frac{1}{2}J\quad \omega^{2}}}$

Function

In the initial phase the wheels of each vehicle first travel over thePRESSURE CONTAINER (96), which is always resupplied with water (as canbe seen in FIGS. 1 and 2) and which compensates for the decrease in theamount of water in the pressure hose. The vehicle wheels begin to travelover the RIGHT and LEFT S-PANELS (13, 22), on which the cover sheet (88)is installed. The purpose of this sheet is to reduce the resistancebetween the vehicle wheels and the PRESSURE HOSE (89, 90, 91). It alsohelps to prevent damage to the upper exterior side. (See the visibledifference, FIGS. 5, 6). The PRESSURE HOSE is located along the entirelength (89, 90, 91) of the interior of the RIGHT+LEFT S-PANELS (13, 22).The kinetic energy and the weight of the vehicle applied to the wheelsforces the water into the pipe at high pressure.

The water pressure outside the PRESSURE HOSE (89, 90, 91) is positivelytransformed through the pipe's S-shaped position as well as in thesemicircular curves that connect in series along the entire length ofthe pipes. This means that the kinetic energy of the vehicle acts in thesame direction as that of its movement and that it results from itsvelocity and the weight of the vehicle, which is shorter than thepressure hose length (89, 90, 91). This pressure hose must be securelyinstalled on the PANEL INSERT (92) so that it cannot move laterally whenthe vehicle passes over.

The PANEL INSERT (92) serves as a sealing and retaining cover for thePRESSURE HOSE (89, 90, 91). The RIGHT AND LEFT S-PANELS (13, 22) have alower PLATE (93), which also has a smooth surface and which protects thePRESSURE HOSE (89, 90, 91) from damage.

Water pressurized in this manner passes is allowed to pass under highpressure via a SINGLE-PATH VALVE (43) in parallel into the PRESSUREHOSES (33) that lead out of the RIGHT AND LEFT S-PANELS (13, 22). TheHOSES (33) are further connected to the CENTRAL VALVE (53) and fromthere on to the DISTRIBUTOR (60), where two basic versions, A and B, canbe used.

A-VERSION: This is a two-position two-way distributor, which can performthe following:

(a) When sufficient pressure is present, allow the liquids to flowunimpeded to the generator, and

(b) when pressure is low, close off the fluctuating flow of liquid andto open the flow through the PRESSURE VESSEL VALVE (63) and from thereon into the PRESSURE VESSEL (83).

This vessel allows water to flow into the HYDROELECTRIC GENERATOR (85)up to a set pressure limit. The pressure vessel is protected from excesspressure by means of a SAFETY VALVE (58). Since the containers aremass-produced, they must be built to withstand excess pressures in theflow through the generator.

B-version: Pressure source with a hydroelectric generator, which can beused for three different pressures. The maximum pressure is set at thepressure valve on the hydroelectric generator. The lower pressures areshunted incrementally through a DISTRIBUTOR (60) when the supply ofpressure to the PRESSURE VESSEL (83) drops with the PRESSURE VESSELVALVE (63).

Various types of DISTRIBUTORS (60) are used, depending on the design,power and degree of automation. The water passes through variousprocesses under high pressure. In the final phase, the water passesthrough a DT/SE (80), which duplicates its pressure and transforms it toa maximum. The optimal position of the nozzle (80) also controls thewater pressure, the maximum effect on the blades of the TURBINE (86),which is connected to the HYDROELECTRIC GENERATOR (85), from which theELECTRICAL CURRENT is passed through a CABLE (113) to the TRANSFORMER(100). The water also passes through a CONTINUOUS FILTER (87), whichkeeps the liquid (water) in good operating condition in order to ensurethat the entire system operates properly. The main requirement relatingto the filter is that it must have a minimum pressure loss of one-tenthof the Mpa. The water then flows through the WATER PUMP (99), backthrough the AIR BLEEDER (98), through the CENTRAL VALVE (53), whichdistributes the water to the PIPES (33) on the RIGHT—LEFT S-PANELS andthat close the electric power station loop.

Application of Fluid Mechanisms

The hydraulic and pneumatic mechanisms constitute an important part ofthe design. Their performance figures are increased significantly byintegrating them with electronic control systems, thus increasing theproductivity and reliability of the entire electrical power station. Theeffectiveness can be determined experimentally. Aside from easilymeasured parameters like pressure, flow, RPM, and torque, we always needto know the value of the geometric circuit. In the future, an auxiliaryelectrical power generator designed for very low and high pressures canbe used in the area of the electrical power station.

Another important factor that we can use to affect the performance ofthe electrical power station is the direct dependency on the inletvalves, closing and reduction valves, and the control valves; also inthe dependency on the hydraulic and reduction valves which are actuatedmechanically or electrically, that we have to add to the scope of thestation and in this way be able to design the electrical power stationsfor specific conditions.

The Future of AKPS

I believe that the advantage is improving the function of the pressurehoses as shown in FIGS. 11B and C. These are the wide-diameter mainhoses, and weak only supplemental. Only the weak pressure hoses work inlight traffic. The remaining pressure hoses are switched in when trafficis heavier. In maximum traffic, all the hoses are used, LEFT+RIGHTS-PANELS: As traffic decreases in the opposite direction, variouspressure hoses are shut off with the aid of:

A) the front-end section

B) the computer, which on a downhill slope utilizes electrical, opticalsensors. It is installed on the road surface.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1) All of the components comprising the R+L S-panels (13, 22) areshown in the figure. Pressure hoses (89, 90, 91) are shown in thehorizontal direction.

FIG. 2) Complete view of the main components comprising the AKPS.

FIG. 3) Principle of routing the forces from the automobile FI and F2.They are applied to two types of pressure hoses, A, B and A, C, whichare generally different. The surfaces under the automobile wheels thatare filled in in black indicate the effect of the deformation of thepressure hoses that force the water out in the same direction at the endof the panel. T2 is a mechanical force from the automobile that acts inthe same direction as the vehicle and is perpendicular to the force F1from the automobile.

FIG. 4) This figure shows the function of the cover sheet (88) on theR+L S-panels (13, 22). It plays an important role in reducing theresistance force Fv, which is shown progressively on the that does nothave a pressure sheet (88). The pressure hoses (89, 90, 91) are clearlyvisible here. The arrows show the direction of motion (water flow)outside the panels.

FIG. 5) Principle without cover sheet (88)

The rotation motion of the automobile wheels on the unprotected pressurehoses (89, 90, 91) generates the resistance force Fv. This force acts asa braking force counter to the direction of motion of each vehiclewheel. The deformation of the pressure hoses is caused in this way whenthe compressed air F_(n) is produced. The magnitude of the resistanceforce F_(v) is uniformly the magnitude of the compressive force F_(n)combined with the velocity of the vehicle. This clearly reveals thepurpose and principle of the pressure sheet (88).

FIG. 6) Principle of the pressure sheet (88) This drawing shows thefunction of the pressure sheet on the R+L S-panels (13, 22). It is veryimportant for reducing the resistance force F_(v) that moves alongprogressively on the longer section (S). The same quality of thefunction of the pressure hoses (89, 90, 91) is present with the goal ofhaving a low resistance force F_(v), even at high vehicle speeds.

FIG. 7) Principle of the AKPS

This figure shows the location and function of the electrical powerstation, where the column of vehicles (108) that already mechanicalforce F in the same direction need to brake at the same time at theapproach to an intersection. The black line and arrows indicate theobject (water regulation).

FIG. 8) This figure shows the location and activity of the AKPS on theplane of the plate, with a column of vehicles traveling in one directiondownhill from left to right. They generate the electrical energyseparately as a function of the compressive force F_(l) of each vehicle.

FIG. 9) This figure shows the position of the R+L S-panels (13, 22) in asectional view through the road surface, which is divided into twoparts, A and B.

A) Here we see the right-hand S-panel (13), whose dimensions areuniversally appropriate to all types of vehicles (passenger and truck)standing on the pressure hoses (89, 90, 91). The front portion shows thedirection of the vehicle offsets on both sides.

B) Sectional view through the left-hand S-panels (22), in which newpressure hoses (X) are installed. The are arranged so that they coincidecompletely with all groups (passenger vehicles, trucks). FIG. A+B onlyshows the principle of the AKPS operations.

FIG. 10) The thick line in this figure illustrates the principle of themovement of the automobile wheel in the direction indicated by thearrow. It first travels over the pressure container (96), where itforces the water into the pressure hoses (89). It then travels over thepressure hoses in sections FI and F2. This small section is completelysufficient to convert the small amount of electrical energy. The idea isthat each vehicle must or may travel on exactly the same track from thebeginning to the end of the right+left S-panel.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D) Show the classical forms of mounting thepressure hoses in the S-panels (13, 22). The forms of the embodimentsare shown here, as are the various pressure hose diameters. Each ofthese groups has its own specific performance characteristics. In thisway we can differentiate between the various types of roadways in orderto maximize the power station output.

FIG. 11D) The diameter of the pressure hoses in the S-panels decreasesfrom the entry side to the exit side, resulting in an amplification ofthe pressure that can be used on the generator end.

The power station, as shown in FIG. 1, is based on the principle of aclosed loop in the system of right and left S-panels (13, 22) from theability to connect the panels in series or in parallel in the selectedlength and number. It does not limit the number or construction of thevehicles. It transforms the kinetic energy of the driver-controlledvehicles to electrical energy as they travel along the road.

The right and left S-panels (13, 22) are preferably installed in a linehorizontal with the roadway in one direction.

In addition, pressure hoses (89, 90, 91) are preferably installed in thepanels (13, 22). The kinetic energy and weight of the vehicle applypressure to these hoses, forcing the water contained in the hoses in thedirection in which the vehicle is traveling. The vehicle is shorter thanthe pressure hoses (89, 90, 91).

A cover sheet (88) can be attached to the surface of the right+leftS-panels (13, 22) to protect the pressure hose (89, 90, 91). Ananti-skid surface (94) is provided on the exterior side of the coversheet (88).

In order to achieve more even water flow, a pressure container (96) canbe installed ahead of the right+left S-panels. This permits water toenter the pressure hoses (89, 90, 91) through check valves (43).

A panel insert is preferably provided to serve as a sealing andretaining cover for the pressure hose. This cover can be secured on thelower surface by a lower plate. It preferably has a smooth surface (95)facing in the direction of the pressure hose.

List of Reference Numbers: 13 Right S Panel 105 Road 22 Left S Panel 106Water circulation 33 Pipes 108 Vehicle 43 Inlet valve 112 Vehicle wheel53 Central valve 113 Electrical cable 58 Safety valve 60 Distributor O62 Mounting bolt 63 Pressure vessel valve 80 Nozzle 83 Pressure vessel85 Hydroelectrical power generator 86 Turbine 87 Filter 88 Cover sheet89 Pressure hose, right 4b 90 Pressure hose, center 91 Pressure hose,left 92 Pnael insert 93 Lower plate 94 Anti-skid surface 95 Smoothsurface 96 Pressure container 98 Bleeder 99 Water pump 100 Transformer

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for generating electrical energy fromkinetic energy of wheeled vehicles on a roadway, comprising at least onefluid pressure vessel arranged in the roadway, said pressure vesselcomprising at least one pressure chamber that is compressiblesubstantially perpendicular to the roadway, a flexible cover sheet overthe pressure vessel for transmitting force from the wheels of vehicleson the roadway to the pressure chamber, the cover sheet having anon-slip surface, at least one circuit for said fluid, said pressurechamber being a component of said fluid circuit, and at least oneturbine/generator unit that is disposed in the fluid circuit forgenerating electrical energy from the flow of the fluid, wherein saidpressure vessel is configured as a chest that is elongated in theroadway direction and in the front and rear sides of which fluid circuitpipes are ported, wherein elongated pressure chambers are formed in saidpressure vessel by partitions, said pressure chambers permitting fluidflow substantially only parallel to the longitudinal direction of saidpressure vessel, and wherein the diameter of the pressure chambers isdiminished from the front side to the rear side of said pressure vessel.2. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the cover sheet forms thesurface of the roadway.
 3. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein adistribution chamber is provided in the front side of said pressurevessel.
 4. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein at least oneone-way valve is disposed in said circuit.
 5. The device as set forth inclaim 1, wherein a filter is disposed in said circuit.
 6. The device asset forth in claim 1, wherein a pressure accumulator is disposed in saidcircuit.
 7. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the pressurechambers of several pressure vessels are connectable in parallel or inseries.
 8. A device for generating electrical energy from kinetic energyof wheeled vehicles on a roadway, comprising: at least one fluidpressure vessel arranged in the roadway, said pressure vessel comprisingat least one pressure chamber that is compressible substantiallyperpendicular to the roadway, a flexible cover sheet over the pressurevessel for transmitting force from the wheels of vehicles on the roadwayto the pressure chamber, the cover sheet having a non-slip surface, atleast one circuit for said fluid, said pressure chamber being acomponent of said fluid circuit, and at least one turbine/generator unitthat is disposed in the fluid circuit for generating electrical energyfrom the flow of the fluid, wherein said pressure vessel is configuredas a chest that is elongated in the roadway direction and in the frontand rear sides of which fluid circuit pipes are ported, and wherein fordefining said pressure vessel a plate or slab securable to the roadwaysubcourse is provided, including an insert whose surface facing thepressure chambers is smooth.
 9. A device for generating electricalenergy from kinetic energy of wheeled vehicles on a roadway, comprisingat least one fluid pressure vessel arranged in the roadway, saidpressure vessel comprising at least one pressure chamber that iscompressible substantially perpendicular to the roadway, at least onecircuit for said fluid, said pressure chamber being a component of saidfluid circuit, and at least one turbine/generator unit that is disposedin the fluid circuit for generating electrical energy from the flow ofthe fluid, wherein said pressure vessel is configured as a chest that iselongated in the roadway direction and in the front and rear sides ofwhich fluid circuit pipes are ported, wherein elongated pressurechambers are formed in said pressure vessel by partitions, said pressurechambers permitting fluid flow substantially only parallel to thelongitudinal direction of said pressure vessel, and wherein the diameterof said pressure chambers is diminished from the front side to the rearside of said pressure vessel.
 10. A device for generating electricalenergy from kinetic energy of wheeled vehicles on a roadway, comprisingat least one fluid pressure vessel arranged in the roadway, saidpressure vessel comprising at least one pressure chamber that iscompressible substantially perpendicular to the roadway, at least onecircuit for said fluid, said pressure chamber being a component of saidfluid circuit, and at least one turbine/generator unit that is disposedin the fluid circuit for generating electrical energy from the flow ofthe fluid, wherein said pressure vessel is configured as a chest that iselongated in the roadway direction and in the front and rear sides ofwhich fluid circuit pipes are ported, and wherein for defining saidpressure vessel a plate or slab securable to the roadway subcourse isprovided, including an insert whose surface facing said pressurechambers is smooth.